Ken

By Allie TownsendWednesday, Feb. 16, 2011

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

The Ken doll was introduced by Mattel in 1961 as Barbie's boyfriend. According to the Barbie story, she and Ken met that year while on the set of a commercial. Just like Barbie's, Ken's body type was the source of controversy, as studies revealed that his physique was almost anatomically impossible, prompting criticism that the tall doll was an influential representative of the male image for young girls. In 2004, Ken made headlines yet again as Mattel announced that he and Barbie had officially broken up, but after a series of grand romantic gestures  he even took out billboards across the country begging for reconciliation  Mattel announced in February 2011 that the iconic couple had mended their rift just in time for Valentine's Day.